9 Motivational Books Entrepreneurs Should Read Every Year

August 4, 2017

Success doesn’t happen overnight, but it can still happen. One of the most effective ways to get there is by reading mind shifting literature and applying those lessons learned. Entrepreneurs, both successful and well on their way, deem reading or studying an important part of their “come up”. As avid readers (and do-ers) we agree with this stance and encourage you to seek books with proper insight and inspiration while on your journey to entrepreneurial success. To celebrate our 9th year in business (and our 9th annual conference that you must attend) here are 9 motivational books we think entrepreneurs should (re) read every year.

9 Books Entrepreneurs Should Read

1. Why Should White Guys Have All The Fun? by Reginald Lewis

Reginald Lewis was a philanthropist, Wall Street wizard, and lawyer. He is also the wealthiest black man in American history. His story of hard work and determination is mapped out in this book, co-written by USA Today writer Blair S. Walker. At the time of his death, Lewis’s personal wealth estimated $400 million. This book is not only history but remarkable. Order your copy here.

2. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes is responsible for America’s Thursday night lineup of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How to GetAway With Murder. Anyone with those kinds of writing chops just has to be fearless, right? Wrong! In Year of Yes, Rhimes reveals how she brought strong heroines to life on paper, but cowered in real life due to fear and constantly putting work first. Her older sister dared her to finally say “yes” to something other than work in her life and her “year of yes” began. Doing this, Rhimes lost weight, strengthened the bond with her three daughters, spoke at colleges, and more. Year of Yes records those accounts and gives great advice on how to achieve better lives personally and professionally. Start reading!

3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

With over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, The Alchemist is a must-read book.

“Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.” Buy The Alchemist here.

4. Self Made by Nely Galan

Nely Galan graced the Blogalicious stage last year as one of our beloved guest speakers. Her talk was inspirational, funny, and what some would call – a moment. Galan debuted her book, Self Made: Becoming Empowered, Self-Reliant, and Rich In Every Way, and our audience loved it. She shares her journey on working her way to the top in television and real estate, one move at a time. If you’re looking for an empowering book on entrepreneurship with a feminine focus, Self Made is the book for you.

5. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

One hundred dollars is all it takes to start the business of your creative dreams, as told by entrepreneur Chris Guillebeau.

“In preparing to write this book, Chris identified 1,500 individuals who have built businesses earning $50,000 or more from a modest investment (in many cases, $100 or less), and from that group, he’s chosen to focus on the 50 most intriguing case studies. In nearly all cases, people with no special skills discovered aspects of their personal passions that could be monetized, and were able to restructure their lives in ways that gave them greater freedom and fulfillment.”

After reading that, doesn’t it feel like any of us could achieve sustainability in our businesses? If you haven’t, add The $100 Startup to your reading list this month.

6. Monster Loyalty by Jackie Huba

Lady Gaga has mastered the art of turning followers into raving fanatics. She’s built an impressive tribe of “Little Monsters” that literally buy whatever she sells, pegging her as a musical and creative authority. Author Jackie Huba breaks this down to a science in Monster Loyalty: How Lady Gaga Turns Followers Into Fanatics. Read all about it.

7. You Are A Badass: by Jen Sincero

“You Are a Badass will help you: Identify and change the self-sabotaging beliefs and behaviors that stop you from getting what you want, blast past your fears so you can take big exciting risks, figure out how to make some damn money already, learn to love yourself and others, set big goals and reach them – it will basically show you how to create a life you totally love, and how to create it NOW.”

This book is amazing! Learn how to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life here.

8. Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Getting your mind right is essential in every aspect of your life. In Mindfulness for Beginners, long time teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn instructs us on how to be “in the moment” instead of disconnected or on our phones. While this doesn’t apply to business specifically, the results, such as strengthening focus and becoming more self-aware, are things that can impact us professionally. This book is great for beginners (obviously!) and those needing a refresher. Grab it here.

9. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

If you want to ‘Transform Your Business From A Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine’ we advise you to devour this book. “With dozens of case studies, practical, step-by-step advice, and his signature sense of humor, Michalowicz has the game-changing roadmap for any entrepreneur to make money they always dreamed of.”